Is it possible to separate the Olympics from politics?
Posted in Advertising, Media, Arif Durrani, Latest reporters' blogs April 1st, 2008 by Arif Durrani
The Olympic Games and politics should be kept apart, according to Chapter 5 of the Olympic Charter; but as the 2008 Beijing Games loom, international protests concerning China’s actions in Tibet could risk overshadowing the event.
Concern is growing among all involved, from the sponsors and torch-bearers to the athletes and competing countries themselves.
It was supposed to be the event which established just how far China has come within the international community, but risks underlying how much it still needs to travel.
“No kind of demonstration or political, religious or racial propaganda is permitted in the Olympic areas,” according to the official Charter, but how realistic are these aims?
As the torch makes its way across the globe, is it right that protesters wait to make their voices heard, and how should the sponsors react?
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Tags 2008 Beijing Games, Tibet, China, Protests
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ellie wallis’s comment is....
Why should an Olympic Charter stop people from voicing their concerns and disgust about what is happening to the Tibetan monks and the people of Tibet? The games have created a platform on which protestors can voice their opinions and the monks themselves can tell some home truths about how they are being treated. The worlds’ press is watching, and is a chance to make things change. Ethnic cleansing has been in process in Tibet for years. Perhaps now, the Western world should take some form of action. The Olympics are irrelevant to this issue. I for one, would rather Britain at least boycotted the Olympic Games than let China harm one more innocent Tibetan.
Posted April 2nd, 2008 at 10:02 am
BDHM’s comment is....
I find it slightly frustrating that it takes an international event and the actions of a few people for everyone to sit up and take notice. Before being granted host status for the Olympics, China’s human rights record was arguably no better or worse than it is today but it’s suddenly the cause du jour because the country is in the news at the moment.
I wonder if people will still care in September? If not, should they really be voicing opinions on this subject at all right now?
Posted April 2nd, 2008 at 10:32 am
John Gibb’s comment is....
Of course it is not possible to separate the Olympics from politics. Blair wallowed in the selection of London for 2012. Hitler tried to politicise the games but thought Jessie Owens was a girl. The Chinese state has used them as an opportunity to steal valuable land from the poor in Beijing and redevelop it. The games have become a huge stage for politicians to strut on. The Chinese must have known that there would be trouble over Tibet, yet they went ahead, presumably because they believe that the end result might be benign images of the glorious leader surrounded by hundreds of Chinese medal winners. At the same time, Tibetan freedom fighters will do all they can to bring the monstrous rape of their country before the eyes of the world. It’s all politics and it will only get worse. The trick is learning to blank it from your mind while listening to John Motson droning on about plucky Karen Fragment from Motspur Park coming last in the underwater sack race.
Posted April 3rd, 2008 at 11:23 am
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